Learning Target: I can research topics such as eunuchs and the caste system and use that knowledge to inform my understanding of characters and situations in Behind the Beautiful Forever.  

Activity 1: Write two paragraphs, one about what you learned about 1) eunuchs, specifically the hijra, and another about 2) the Indian caste system. Work together with your partner to decide what you are going to write for each paragraph, but each of you should actually handwrite one of each paragraphs.

3) In what ways might the young eunuch in chptr four be similar to other hijra? In what ways might he be unique Do you think he is honest and sincere or not?

4) Find at one passage in the text where the caste system clearly plays a role.  Write the page # and then explain how the caste system impacts that situation. 


Homework: Read chapter 5 (Ghost House) and using the question stems, write a discussion question per chapter for chapters 4 and 5 respectively. 

There are weak questions.

Here’s one:

· What are the strengths and weaknesses of Hawthorne’s description?

There are strong questions.  For example:

· What are the strengths and weaknesses of Hawthorne’s depiction of the founders of Utopian societies; is he dismissive of their utopian ideals or does he provide a useful reality check?

· Given Hawthorne’s claim, what seems to be his attitude about utopian thinkers and the founders who aimed to create Utopian societies?

·  What case can be made that “invariably” may be the most important word in the sentence?